Yellow jackets buzzing around pop cans, hamburgers and fruit salad can ruin barbecues. And, because their sting can be life-threatening for some people, it might be necessary to destroy nests found near human activity.

Heat-loving squash and cucumber plants will take advantage of hot weather to blossom and set fruit. Successful pollination depends on insect pollinators, such as honeybees and native bees, as well as timing and location.

In mild parts of western Oregon and along most of the coast, it is possible to grow a succession of garden vegetables throughout most of the year. Gardeners can extend the season well into fall in many parts of the Pacific Northwest with a little knowledge and protection of their plants from the elements.